SCHOOL RECORD 16 THREES HELPS MEN’S BASKETBALL ROUT EVANGEL

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – In one of the best offensive displays in program history, Avila men's basketball tied a school record with 16 three-pointers en route to their 97-74 victory over Evangel on Wednesday night at Mabee Fieldhouse. Gio Mack finished second in a single-game in school history with nine makes from behind the arc.

As a team, Avila shot 61.4 percent from the floor, 61.5 percent from long-range and a perfect 11-11 from the free throw line, marking the second time in program history going perfect from the foul line.

Avila got out to a hot start in the first half, opening the game on a 20-9 run in the first seven minutes. The Eagles would not trail the entire game.

Mack went six-of-eight from three-point range in the first half to help Avila hold a 56-39 lead entering the half.

After shooting 58 percent from the floor in the opening 20 minutes, the Eagles one-upped themselves in the second.

Shooting 67 percent from the floor and 78 percent from deep in the second half, Avila's hot-shooting kept Evangel's attempt at a comeback at back.

The Valor would bring the game to within 10 at the 14-minute mark, but the Eagles would go on a 17-6 run in the ensuing five minutes to put the game out of reach.

Mack finished his night with a game-high 29 points, six boards and six assists. Mack was on fire from behind the arc, shooting 9-of-12 from deep, tying for the second-most threes in a single game in school history.

Xavier Kahube finished with 18 points and five rebounds, while James Ross III hit three three-pointers as part of his 15 total.

Avila outrebounded Evangel 35-23 and dominated the Valor on the break, amassing 21 fastbreak points to just two for Evangel. 

The Eagles are now 6-1 and 2-0 in the KCAC and will head to Sterling on Saturday for a 3 PM tipoff.

 (photo credit: Ali Nassir)